UFS Staff

ALAN WOOD - National Officer

Alan was General Secretary of UFS since 1998 until its merger with Community in 2017. Alan had been closely involved with UFS since its humble beginnings back in 1988, bringing with him a long history of union activity within the finance sector.

Alan holds a Masters Degree in Industrial Relations and a certificate in Employment Law from Middlesex University. He has been authorised by the Law Society to train solicitors in the employment law section of their qualification and has attended many employment law courses as a participant and as a lecturer.

LYNDA MERRETT - Head of Strategy & Operations

Lynda has been with UFS since 1997. She has a degree in Law and has completed the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Trent University and also holds a Masters Degree in Law and Employment Relations from the University of Leicester.

Lynda has responsibility for all serious individual cases and manages the Employment Relations team. She is also responsible for liaising with external legal advisors.

CAROLINE TAYLOR - Regional Secretary

Caroline joined UFS in 2006, having previously worked in Land management until leaving to start a family. She holds an honours degree in Business Management and Psychology and a Masters degree in Employment Law from the University of Surrey.

Caroline regularly travels to members' places of work to carry out representations and also deals with face to face consultation exercises on behalf of UFS. She also handles the senior level liaison with a number of major employers and is involved in company reorganisations

In her spare time Caroline enjoys playing netball in the Gloucestershire League.

DANIEL FRANCOIS - Regional Organiser

Daniel started working for the union in January 2006. He holds a degree in English and brings with him several years experience in management. He has also completed a masters degree in Employment Law from the University of Glamorgan.

As well as responsibility for representations and consultations, Daniel is also qualified to give advice on the terms of a Settlement Agreement.

KATE CHALLENGER - Regional Organiser

After a few years working in Publishing as a Print Editor for Modern Foreign Languages, Kate decided to change her career path. Kate joined the team in June 2012 with a BA Hons degree in French from the University of Exeter and has a Masters in Employment Law from the University of Leicester.

Kate regularly travels to members' places of work to carry out representations and also deals with face to face consultation exercises on behalf of UFS. She also handles the senior level liaison with a number of major employers and is involved in company reorganisations.

NICK CATON - Regional Organiser

Nick joined UFS in August 2006. He holds a BSc in Applied Economics & Law from the University of Plymouth and a Postgraduate Diploma in Employment Law from the University of Glamorgan.

Nick is a member of the Executive Committee for the Alliance for Finance and is the main contact for other Union organisations. Nick also develops and delivers a wider range of training courses for Reps, members and other delegates.

CAROL DURN - Assistant Regional Organiser

Carol has worked at the Union office since 1997 and holds a qualification for PRINCE2 foundation in Project Management.

Carol has held a number of positions in the Union and is now assisting members and their families with accessing Learning and Development opportunities. Carol works with Members, Employers, Providers and gets involved in event management.